You deserve a Purple Carrot!
After having an allergic reaction to her wedding ring, owner, designer, and founder of Purple Carrot Alita Du Plessis decided that she wanted to create hypoallergenic jewellery that is affordable and beautiful at the same time.
She found a company abroad to manufacture it for her. Alita was so impressed with the quality of the finished stainless-steel product that she ordered the same design in a few different sizes to sell. In 2017 this experiment gave birth to the famous Purple Carrot. She dove in headfirst and designed a full range of beautiful affordable stainless-steel jewellery. This girl was clearly on fire and decided to create her online shop in conjunction with excited agents that also had faith in the product.
“I have a destination shop and depot where clients can enjoy a physical shopping experience and collect their items ordered online.”
Current Operations:
There are 150 agents nationwide.
We send out between 1500 – 2000 parcels monthly.
We employ 16 fulltime staff at the Pretoria depot.
1. Designer Jewellery department
“This is where we design rings, earrings, bangles necklaces etc. Alita and her team of designers designs the jewellery. The range moulds are then done by the factory. This unique range evolves as fashion changes.”
2. Personalisation department
“This part of the business specialises in personalisation. Its standard cut-out items that the in-house engravers engrave with whatever tickles the client’s fancy. We assemble the item, package and send it out to clients.”
“At Purple Carrot we have a strong Tribe culture. You spend most of your time at work so you should at the least love what you do and enjoy your environment. During the pandemic, the sales skyrocketed. Just like the sales of red lipstick went through the roof during World wars (the lipstick phenomenon). Lipstick was a small inexpensive item that made women feel empowered and beautiful. Purple Carrot does just that.
We once created a heartbeat necklace for a mom as a gift from her husband that lost their new-born. She said that feeling her son’s heartbeat moving on her chest comforted her more than anything else would ever do.
Our ring range go up to a size 12. One of our fuller figure clients was in tears when she came to collect her beautiful ring after years of disappointments and inability to afford a quality piece.
Between my 2 ranges clients can create anything they desire. A sentimental item that speaks to their heart, a reminder of whatever is important, or just a small spoil for themselves. Our slogan, You Deserve a Purple Carrot says it all.”
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
“Nothing is impossible, do a course in something that you like or just run with an idea. If f you really want something, make it happen.
If your product does not sell, it is usually due to either price, quality, service, or poor advertising. Unfortunately, it is also true that sometimes you are so in love with you own product that you do not see the flaws. For us this is our inspiration. Work smarter not harder. Be present in the moment and enjoy it.”
Purple Carrot is the vessel in which this strong and remarkable woman chooses to make a difference in this world. Her heart and soul are poured into each mould and resides in every piece of her collection.